It’s really hard to write this article without doing my world famous impression of Frances McDormand in Fargo. But I’m gonna do my best. Brainerd is Minnesota’s premier golf mecca. A region packed with over 450 holes across dozens of top-rated courses, framed by pristine lakes, dense pine forests, rolling terrain, and that classic “up north” Northwoods escape feel. Home to legendary resort layouts from designers like Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Lehman, and more, it’s a stay-and-play paradise with Gull Lake views, family resorts, and endless multi-course options.

Quick Facts

  • Hundreds of holes in close proximity, many world-class public/resort courses within short drives
  • Northwoods charm: Tree lined fairways, water hazards, elevation changes, and wildlife-filled settings
  • Seasonal play: Mid-April/May to October; peak summer/fall for long days, mild temps (60s-80s°F), and prime conditions
  • Variety for all: From championship tests to forgiving resort tracks and short courses; stay-and-play packages abundant
  • Top-ranked gems: Multiple courses in Golf Digest/Golfweek “Best in State” lists (e.g., Deacon’s Lodge, The Classic at Madden’s)

You know Brainerd is home to a 26 foot tall talking statue of Paul Bunyon. If the amazing golf wasn’t enough to get your tush to Brainerd, I’m sure the Paul Bunyon statue has you chomping at the bit to get there.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-resort days (36+ holes easy), post-round beers on patios with lake views, friendly competition, and nearby breweries or bonfires
  • Families: Resort amenities like beaches, pools, kids’ programs, marinas; shorter courses or par-3s for all levels; non-golfers enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking

Top Standout Courses

Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point Resort)

Arnold Palmer’s tribute to his father “Deacon” sculpted through 500 acres of wilderness with rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and loons calling. Challenging yet playable, nationally acclaimed (Golf Digest top public lists), with dramatic holes and impeccable maintenance.

The Classic at Madden’s on Gull Lake

Upscale championship gem, ranked among the best new public courses nationally, with pristine conditions, strategic design, and Gull Lake scenery. Part of Madden’s 63-hole lineup; a must-play for serious golfers.

Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort (Dutch Legacy 27 + Lehman 18)

Modern masterpiece with PGA Tour pro Tom Lehman’s signature 18,stacked sod bunkers, wetlands, wooded sanctuary, and massive renovation/expansion. Dutch Legacy adds variety; 45+ holes total in one spot, rated among Midwest’s top.

The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)

Joel Goldstrand design with Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines, a true “player’s course” with challenging variety, blind shots, water, and Northwoods beauty. Highly ranked in state lists; renovated for top conditions.

Pine Beach East at Madden’s on Gull Lake

Historic classic (opened 1926) with Minnesota’s only par-6 hole (over 600 yards!) scenic, enjoyable, and full of character alongside the more modern options.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Madden’s on Gull Lake: Classic resort with 63 holes, lakeside lodging, spa, marina, dining
  • Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake: Mile-long beach, Legacy Courses, pools, sports center, cabins/hotel
  • Breezy Point Resort: Deacon’s Lodge access, multiple courses, vacation homes/condos
  • Grand View Lodge: The Pines & Preserve courses, family amenities, cabins
  • Packages include lodging, rounds, carts, breakfast, book direct or via Brainerd Golf Trail sites

All Key Brainerd Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer design)
  • The Classic at Madden’s
  • Legacy Courses at Cragun’s (Lehman 18 + Dutch Legacy)
  • The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
  • Pine Beach East/West at Madden’s
  • Whitebirch at Breezy Point
  • Plus short courses, par-3s, and nearby gems like Ruttger’s

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (maddens.com, craguns.com, breezypointresort.com, grandviewlodge.com) or brainerdgolftrail.com,  multi-course deals save big
  • Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) for closest access, or Minneapolis (MSP) 2-3 hour drive
  • Pair golf with Brainerd classics: fresh walleye, craft beer, lake cruises, or fall colors
  • Use carts for terrain; forward tees for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on tougher tracks

Get yourself to Brainerd you won’t regret it,

Jesse

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Pacific Northwest Golf Heaven: Why Chambers Bay in Washington Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip

Why go to Scotland when you can get it at Chambers Bay. Chambers Bay is a true links-style masterpiece on the shores of Puget Sound in University Place, Washington (just south of Tacoma). A rugged, windswept public course carved from an old sand quarry with massive dunes, firm fescue turf, multi-level fairways, and breathtaking views of the water and Olympic Mountains from nearly every hole. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it’s hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open (where Jordan Spieth won), delivering pure strategic challenge, creativity over power, and that authentic British links feel in the Pacific Northwest.

Quick Facts

  • One epic 18-hole championship course: Par 72, stretching over 7,500 yards from the tips, walking-only (carts limited)
  • Links-style purity: Wide fairways, huge undulating greens (now Poa annua for smoother putting), firm conditions, wind, and vertical elevation changes
  • Year-round play potential: Best spring through fall (mild PNW weather, 50s-70s degrees F); summer for long days, fall for colors and fewer crowds
  • Public access: Daily-fee with tee times via chambersbaygolf.com; caddies highly recommended for strategy and local lore
  • Top-ranked: Frequently #1 public in Washington (Golf Digest), top-100 public nationally, and a bucket-list U.S. Open venue

The Pacific Northwest is some of the best country this country has to offer. Old Growth forests, orca pods, salmon runs, Seattle, and Immaculate golf.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with wind and bold lines, post-golf beers overlooking Puget Sound, caddie stories, and easy combo with nearby courses for multi-day adventures
  • Families: Scenic beauty and walkable vibe (though challenging); non-golfers enjoy Tacoma’s museums, waterfront, or nearby parks; more forgiving forward tees available

Top Standout Courses

Chambers Bay (The Main Course)

The only course, but what a one! Robert Trent Jones II’s bold design with no two holes alike: massive dunes, railway parallels evoking Scottish links, firm-and-fast turf rewarding creativity, and endless Puget Sound vistas. Standouts include the downhill par-5 4th (risk-reward dogleg), the par-3 9th and 15th (iconic one-shotters with water backdrops and the famous Lone Fir tree), the par-4 16th (most photographed, clever angles), and the quirky 18th finish. Greens now smoother post-2015 tweaks. Pure fun and challenging.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Hotel Murano (Tacoma) Modern luxury downtown (short drive to course); often bundled in packages with $20 nightly F&B credit, parking, Wi-Fi
  • The Championship Experience Package, One round each at Chambers Bay, Gold Mountain (Olympic), and The Home Course + two nights at Hotel Murano (starts around $495 in off-peak 2026); unbeatable value for three top PNW tracks
  • Nearby options: Tacoma hotels, or extend to Salish Cliffs or other regional gems for multi-night trips

All Key Chambers Bay Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Chambers Bay (RTJ II links icon, U.S. Open host)
  • Nearby combos: Gold Mountain (Olympic Course), The Home Course (often in packages)
  • Plus practice facility, pro shop, and caddie program
  • Extend your trip: Hawks Prairie, Eagle’s Pride, or Gamble Sands farther afield

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & packages early via chambersbaygolf.com or partners like Hotel Murano, walking-only means sturdy shoes and caddies (worth it for strategy and fun)
  • Fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), easy 30-45 min drive south
  • Pair golf with PNW classics: fresh seafood (oysters, salmon), craft breweries in Tacoma, waterfront walks, or a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula
  • Embrace the wind (play mornings if gusty); forward tees for enjoyment; relive U.S. Open moments with plaques on key holes

Time to walk the links, battle the breeze off Puget Sound, and reset on one of America’s most unique public courses. Chambers Bay is calling your escape.

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